Learn how to make these resin crafts for home or gifts! These 30+ crafts with resin are perfect for beginners. Get tips and tricks for success too!
I’ll be honest, I love it when crafts come back around. It’s happened with Mod Podge several times – as you might expect with a product that is over 50 years old. It’s nice when the next generation can enjoy something that I enjoyed as a kid. Annnnddd I just made myself sound really old.
But seriously, I do love old crafting techniques making a resurgence. And the latest to come back is a favorite of mine: resin. You may have noticed in the craft stores recently the end caps from the different brands with resin, molds, tools, etc.
You may have even seen Mod Podge Resin in the stores. But you also may not have any idea what resin is, or what you can do with it. That’s why I’m excited to share some resin crafts with you today, so you can get started with this awesome trend.
Tips for Crafts with Resin
If you’ve never used resin before, I’m going to start with some FAQs about the product as well as what you can do. Otherwise, scroll down to the bottom for an awesome list for beginners and beyond.
What is epoxy resin?
Without getting too science-y, epoxy resin is a two part liquid product that, when mixed together, hardens into a solid, clear surface. It comes in two separate bottles. Typically the bottles are mixed in a 1:1 ratio. The surface that results is waterproof, food safe, and very strong.
Because I get asked this: if you’ve heard of casting resin, it’s a type of epoxy resin. The features of casting resin is that it has low viscosity, making it ideal for things that require a thick pour (like paperweights, encasing items in resin).
What can I make from resin?
Coasters, frames, keychains, hair accessories, paperweights, tabletops, cutting boards, trays, jewelry, wall art, and more. You’ll see the awesomeness that is resin at the bottom of this post.
Note about resin: it can irritate the skin. Always wear recommended safety equipment for your specific product.
Is resin an expensive hobby?
It’s more expensive than painting. The materials are more expensive, and the bottling process is more expensive than other craft liquids. It’s not *that* bad though and you can use coupons. I believe the price is worth the results, also. You’ll see when you use it!
What is the best resin for beginners?
I don’t think any of the resins currently on the market are hard to use. I just look for a 1:1 mixing ratio. Besides that, you’re stirring . . . and the instructions are pretty much the same no matter which one you use.
What can be put in resin?
Glitter, alcohol ink, paint, dried flowers, scrapbooking embellishments, wood shapes, sand and seashells, and an endless variety of other materials.
Can you put fresh flowers in resin?
No. It’s not recommended because fresh flowers can rot inside resin. You’ll want to make sure they are dry.
Does resin break easily?
No, it’s relatively strong. But it can break. If you make a paperweight and then slam in on the hard floor, you could crack it. Or drop something and hit it at just the right angle. It’s dense and there is some weight to it when it is fully hardened.
Are you ready to jump into the resin crafting ideas? I can’t wait for you to get started! Scroll down to get them.
DIY Resin Frame Made with Legos
Learn how to make a resin photo frame using epoxy and Legos! This resin frame is so easy – what will you put in your creation?
Get the Tutorial
DIY Bookmarks
Create glitter resin bookmarks for the bookworms in your life! This easy step-by-step tutorial will show you how to make bookmarks with tassels.
Get the Tutorial
Resin Cutting Board
Learn how to make a resin cutting board with epoxy casting resin and acrylic paint! Makes a perfect gift idea.
Get the Tutorial
Resin Hair Barrettes
Elizabeth needed some hair barrettes to chicly combat Texas summer heat, so she thought it would be fun to add foil flakes to resin to create classy hair barrettes. You can make these as colorful or as fancy as you like.
Get the Tutorial
How to Make Resin Tumblers
Decorate your favorite tumbler for your morning cup of joe with Mod Podge Resin. Add monograms, glitter, fun shapes, and more to make your tumbler stand out.
Get the Tutorial
Resin Jewelry
Learn how to make a resin necklace using this simple tutorial. This pendant is beautiful to make for selling or gifting!
Get the Tutorial
DIY Resin Keychains
A DIY resin keychain makes a great gift! Learn how to make DIY resin keychains in a variety of styles using these simple tutorials.
Get the Tutorial
Easy Resin Bangles
Up your fashion game by crafting your own jewelry with this glitter-y Mod Podge Resin bangle project. These are great to make and give to as a gift or to pair with your favorite outfit for a night out.
Get the Tutorial
Glitter Resin Dominoes
Make a custom set of Mickey Mouse dominoes out of resin to play with the family! You can use this same tutorial to make dominoes in any color or theme.
Get the Tutorial
DIY Bed Tray
Learn how to decorate a thrift store find in this DIY bed tray table project. Resin makes the perfect waterproof coating for your tray.
Get the Tutorial
Wood Slice Coasters
Decorate wood slices with napkins, then turn them into waterproof coasters by adding resin on top! This is a fun and unique project.
Get the Tutorial
Ocean Resin Art
Learn how to make ocean resin art for beginners! Even if you don’t have experience you can make this beach resin art for your home.
Get the Tutorial
Preserve Flowers
Learn the techniques for preserving flowers in resin, allowing you to make a variety of cool projects.
Get the Tutorial
DIY Photo Resin Coasters
These photo resin coasters would look adorable on your desk at work, on your nightstand . . . or anywhere really. The best part is that because the mason jar lid has a lip, when condensation forms from cold beverages, the mess will be contained! Also check out our version on tile.
Get the Tutorial
DIY Wood and Resin Pendant
Make beautiful resin jewelry using wood pieces and alcohol ink or food coloring and resin. You can make a beautiful pendant set using the mold of your choice.
Get the Tutorial
Cabinet Drawer Pulls
Most affordable cabinet hardware is pretty plain looking. If you want a more custom look you either need to spend a fortune OR make them yourself. Thankfully, you can make your own cabinet drawer pulls using resin to create one-of-a-kind hardware that doesn’t break the bank.
Get the Tutorial
DIY Glossy Photo Wood Slice
This is a way to incorporate photos into your home decor in a unique way. Add a photo to a wood slice and then pour resin on top. Makes for a great gift idea!
Get the Tutorial
Agate Geode Coasters
Learn how to make beautiful geode coasters with resin, alcohol ink, glitter, and paint. This tutorial walks you through the process.
Get the Tutorial
DIY Resin Tray
Turn a piece of wood into a cool resin tray by splitting the piece in half! I love the use of white resin to create this unique home decor tray with handles.
Get the Tutorial
Rainbow Gummy Bear Thumbtacks
Is your bulletin board looking a little boring? You can make your own gummy bear thumbtacks with a silicone mold and colorful resin! This is a great started resin project if you have been intimidated to work with resin.
Get the Tutorial
How to Make Resin Dice
Learn how to make dice by using resin. The sky’s the limit as to what designs and patterns you can come up with, maybe even invent a new game yourself!
Get the Tutorial
Decorated Wooden Spoons
You can make these decorated wooden spoons for a gift for mom or for your own kitchen! Grab some two part epoxy resin, alcohol ink or paint, and you’ll have these done in no time.
Get the Tutorial
How to Make Resin Succulents
Ready for a fun and easy project? Resin succulents! These little guys are a great beginner project and you can use them for so many things . . . add a magnet to put them on the fridge, a keychain so they can dangle from your keys or even arrange them in a flower pot as a tiny succulent garden that you really can’t kill.
Get the Tutorial
Homemade Lazy Susan
Learn how to make a lazy susan with a planter tray from Home Depot! You can use any graphics to customize.
Get the Tutorial
How to Make Resin Sprinkle Jewelry
Can you use sprinkles and resin together? Absolutely! This colorful jewelry set consists of a bangle bracelet and rings.
Get the Tutorial
Pineapple String Lights
Use a cheap silicone mold to upgrade basic string of mini LED lights into lights that are perfect for a summer party! Using resin in a silicone mold allows you to create translucent decorations in nearly any shape. Jessica chose to make a set of colorful pineapple string lights, but you can use this same technique to perfectly match your party theme.
Get the Tutorial
Resin Geode Wood Sign
Use a wood pouring surface along with resin to create a unique piece of wall art that has a unique geode effect. Such a pretty touch to your home decor.
Get the Tutorial
Decorative Mosaic Tray
Turns out that leftover backsplash tile makes a perfect bottom layer of a wood tray! Add resin on top to complete the project – it’s easy.
Get the Tutorial
DIY Fish Bowl Necklace
You can make a DIY fish bowl necklace with resin and a few supplies. These cute necklaces are perfect for kids or even adults that want to add a touch of whimsy to their jewelry choices. For those that love goldfish, these are absolutely the perfect accessory!
Get the Tutorial
DIY Notebook Covers from Resin
I find it very impressive that notebook covers can be personalized with resin! This is such a cool gift idea for a teacher or a craft for a teenager or college student going back to school.
Get the Tutorial
DIY Epoxy River Table with Waterfall
Learn how to make a epoxy river table with a waterfall from a live edge slab! If you want to tackle something with a few more steps than a regular resin project, this is your DIY.
Get the Tutorial
Gold Leaf Resin Pendants
Learn how to gold leaf resin with these two simple projects! You can make either a coaster or a necklace in minutes. The results are beautiful!
Get the Tutorial
What do you think about these crafts with resin? Have you tried any? I would love to know in the comments!
